Episcopal Diocese of Chicago Information

The Diocese of Chicago is one of 113 domestic and overseas dioceses comprising The Episcopal Church, one of the 38 member churches, or provinces, of the worldwide Anglican Communion. Our church carries out its mission through over 7,600 congregations in all 50 U.S. states, and 15 nations outside the U.S., most of them in Central and South America. We are an open and inclusive church that traces its formation to the first apostles, and retains this connection through its bishops, the episcopos which in the early church exercised oversight of the church's faith and order. The ministry of bishops, the episcopate, is an important part of our identity. Each diocese is organized around a bishop who is charged with guarding the faith, unity and discipline of the church, and like all members, lay and ordained, is called to proclaim God's Word, and to work for the reconciliation of the world and the building up of the church. Our diocesan community in northern Illinois is under the leadership of Bishop Jeffrey Lee who is assisted by Assistant Bishop Victor Scantlebury. We believe ministry and leadership of the church are shared by both lay people and clergy, and instill this principle in our Baptismal Covenant, our Outline of the Faith, and our system of governance. Our corporate life is governed by our annual Diocesan Convention, and our various commissions, agencies and boards.